Jakub Mensik claimed the primary title of his profession with a 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) win over Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Miami Open ultimate, however the Czech teenager revealed he had almost pulled out of the event as a consequence of irritation in his proper knee.
Shortly earlier than his opener towards Roberto Bautista Agut, the 19-year-old was on his option to the referee’s room to announce his withdrawal, however discovered that the official was out for lunch and he visited the physio’s room as an alternative.
“It was a giant irritation. I couldn’t stroll, I couldn’t run,” Mensik mentioned. “I began to deal with it, began to take painkillers. Nothing was serving to. Throughout match day it was the identical … I attempted to step on the treadmill. I couldn’t transfer.
“I used to be visiting the referee’s workplace to say: ‘Guys, I’m pulling out,’ however he was having lunch. So OK, let’s go to the physio first. I mentioned: ‘Hey, my knee is hurting. Simply fill the paper. I’m going.’”
Mensik mentioned the physio labored on his knee and deemed it was not a significant issue. “I stepped on the treadmill and it was the identical. However I went over the ache. I used to be struggling in these moments.
“After a couple of minutes I began to really feel a bit reduction. I took completely different painkillers, which helped a bit bit. I used to be like:‘It’s half-hour earlier than the match. I can stroll. I can run. Let’s see.’
“In some way I gained the primary spherical after which I had someday off. Day-to-day the knee was getting higher and with that additionally my sport.“
Mensik hoped the Miami title can be the primary of many. “I’m nonetheless 19, so I’ve all of my profession in entrance of me,” he mentioned. “It feels nice to have this [trophy] subsequent to me, but it surely’s not simply concerning the one title, one event … I’m hungry for extra.”
Regardless of disappointment at failing to win his one hundredth ATP title, Djokovic mentioned he was glad that {the teenager} was realising his potential. “I’m by no means actually glad to lose, however he’s one of many few gamers I might be happier to lose to,” Djokovic mentioned.
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“I’ve seen him play when he was 15 or 16 and invited him. We had some coaching blocks collectively. He was coaching at my membership in Belgrade [in 2022] and to see his improvement and evolution is de facto nice, wonderful.
“I might see again then that he’s going to be one of many high gamers of the world. I’m super-glad he’s utilizing the potential he has, as a result of he’s obtained the entire sport.
“His serve is unbelievable, highly effective, exact and he wins a whole lot of free factors with the primary serve. Backhand, as effectively. Czech college – they at all times have an important backhand. However forehand, he’s improved so much. And motion for a tall, massive man like that, he slides and strikes effectively. He nonetheless can enhance so I’m positive we’ll be seeing him round.”
Reflecting on his personal efficiency, he mentioned: “It’s unlucky for me. I didn’t really feel my biggest on court docket, however it’s what it’s. Nothing to remove from his victory.”
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